Former Mayo sports star dies in New York

THE death has taken place in New York of Peter (Clem) Collins, formerly of Altamount Street, Westport.

In his mid-80s, Peter is survived by his wife Annie (nee McHale), formerly of McHale Road, Castlebar, and his family.

In his younger days, Peter was an outstanding sportsman and played soccer and rugby with much success.

He was a member of the Castlebar Celtic team which won the club’s second Connaught Junior Cup title in 1954, beating Galway Bohs 3-2 in a game played in Terryland Park, Galway.

Peter Collins also played with Westport United for several seasons.

In New York, Peter was deeply involved in the promotion of soccer and held several major appointments, including president for a period of 26 years, in the Long Island Soccer League. He brought a number of teams to Mayo back in the early 1990s to compete in the Liberty Cup.

Peter was a dedicated family man who over the years kept in touch with his many friends in Westport and Castlebar.

His wife Annie, a member of an old and respected Castlebar family, worked in The Connaught Telegraph where she was popular with management and staff.

Peter Collins was predeceased by his brothers, Pat and Michael, sisters Marie and Beth. He was uncle of Peter Collins, RTE sports commentator.

Sympathy is tendered to his bereaved relatives on their sad loss.

Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul takes place at St. Ignatius Church, Hicksville, New York, on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. with burial after at Pinelawn Cemetery.